Dr Eric Tippmann
Links
Research Groups: Physical Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Research Interests
Our research is focused on various concepts across the spectrum of chemistry and biology. However, one theme that ties our projects together is that we seek to understand the physical basis of chemical and biological phenomena. Whether we are studying a novel orthogonal aminoacyl tRNA synthetase with its cognate noncanonical amino acid or a highly reactive carbene intermediate, many of the principles of Physical Organic Chemistry guide our mechanistic reasoning.
Much of our work applies to our ability to engineer expanded genetic codes. In this work, typically an amber stop codon is recoded and this allows us to code for > 50 nonstandard amino acids in a site-specific manner. The fidelity of the process is our greatest concern, and in most instances the translational incorporation of a noncanonical amino acid rivals Nature’s own prowess. We are currently interested in developing novel nonstandard amino acids as well as creating new applications from the existing battery of amino acids with novel chemical and physical properties not found in Nature.
Teaching
CH2108 Characterisation of Molecules
CH2301 Training in Research methods
CH2314 Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry
CH2416 Techniques of Physical Organic Chemistry
CH2417 Chemical Biology IV: Current Techniques in Chemical Biology and Modern Applications